Skogaryd Research Station invests in forest rewetting
The Skogaryd Research Station at the University of Gothenburg strengthens its research on rewetted forest land – an area of growing importance in a changing climate. With support from the national research program BECC, studies can now being intensified on how rewetting affects ecosystems and climate.
The contribution from BECC, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in a Changing Climate, will finance the transport by helicopter and installment of a tall measuring mast from one area in Skogaryd to another research site focusing on rewetted forest land – a research topic climbing fast on the scientific agenda.
“The initiative is fully in line with Skogaryd's long-term strategy to strengthen research on wetlands and their role in climate work,” says Amelie Lindgren, director of the Skogaryd Research Station.
”The rewetted forest represents an ecosystem that has become increasingly relevant in Sweden, not least because the Swedish Forest Agency is currently working actively with the rewetting of forest land where selective logging is still permitted.”
The relocation of the mast marks both an ending and a new beginning for Skogaryd. After several years of greenhouse gas measurements, the so-called Central Area is being discontinued, where the old spruce forest is about to be harvested. The new location of the tall measurement mast will be in the forest between Lake Följesjön and the research area known as Följemaden. The new site is on drained peatland situated upstream from the ongoing rewetting at Följemaden.
Analyses of changes in hydrology and forest management
”Groundwater levels in the area have likely already been affected by the rewetting, and we expect the water table to rise further when the forest is selectively logged. Selective logging is planned for the new site, which also makes the location particularly interesting from a research perspective.
At the new site, mast measurements will be complemented with new sap-flow installations to monitor the trees’ water use. Groundwater level measurements have already been ongoing, which means the research station can quickly begin analyzing how changes in hydrology and forest management affect flows of water, nutrients, and greenhouse gases.
“The new area gives us a unique opportunity to study these environments in detail—from hydrology and water chemistry to greenhouse gas exchange—and thus contribute important knowledge about how restored forest landscapes can play a role in both climate and nature conservation work,” says Amelie Lindgren.
